Z2NZ--Turn Key Chiller Equipment (Purchase and Install)
VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.256-NETWORK CONTRACT OFFICE 16 (36C256) · Response deadline: Mon, 30 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking turn-key chiller equipment, including both purchase and installation. This is a commercial HVAC/mechanical systems procurement. Chiller systems are central cooling plants used to condition air in large facilities—common across VA medical centers and hospitals given their substantial square footage and strict climate-control requirements for patient care, surgical suites, and equipment rooms.
A "turn-key" arrangement means the contractor delivers a complete, operational system: equipment procurement, delivery, installation, testing, and commissioning. The work likely involves removing existing equipment (if applicable), coordinating with building systems, and ensuring the chiller integrates with existing controls, piping, and electrical infrastructure.
NAICS 238220 covers "Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors," confirming this is construction-level mechanical work rather than a supply-only purchase.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — Network Contract Office 16 |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 36C25627Q0087 |
| NAICS | 238220 |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 30, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. CT |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This solicitation is not set aside for any small business program—meaning it is full and open competition. All responsible bidders, regardless of size or socioeconomic status, may compete.
That said, small businesses in NAICS 238220 may still have competitive advantages. The VA operates under the Veterans First Contracting Program, which gives prioritization to verified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) for certain procurements. However, without a specific set-aside designation in the metadata, standard competitive procedures apply.
To bid, a firm must:
- Be registered in SAM.gov with active registration through contract award
- Have the appropriate NAICS 238220 in its SAM profile
- Possess relevant experience in commercial/industrial chiller installation
- Meet any facility clearance, bonding, or past-performance requirements detailed in the solicitation
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the full scope. Turn-key chiller procurements typically include: equipment selection (often brand-specific or performance-specified), delivery rigging, mechanical and electrical rough-in, controls integration, startup/commissioning, operator training, and warranty service. See the solicitation for the exact performance specifications, tonnage requirements, efficiency standards, and refrigerant type constraints.
Address life-cycle costs, not just purchase price. VA facilities operate 24/7; emphasize energy efficiency (SEER/IEER ratings, variable-speed drives), maintenance accessibility, and local parts availability. The agency often values total cost of ownership over lowest initial price.
Demonstrate relevant past performance. Prior VA or healthcare facility work is highly valued, particularly where infection control, occupant safety, and phased construction (maintaining cooling during installation) were required. Document similar turn-key projects with comparable tonnage and complexity.
Verify equipment authorization. If the solicitation specifies particular manufacturers or requires factory-authorized dealer status, confirm your relationship and obtain any required letters before bidding.
Bonding and insurance. Expect requirements for performance and payment bonds, plus construction general liability coverage. Healthcare facility work may additionally require professional liability and pollution coverage for refrigerant handling.
Subcontracting plan. If you're a small business competing against larger firms, consider joint-venture arrangements or substantive subcontracting relationships that strengthen technical capability without sacrificing prime responsibility.
Next steps
Read the complete solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 36C25627Q0087. The full document will contain the detailed statement of work, evaluation factors, deliverables schedule, and any amendments issued since posting.
Note the deadline: Responses are due November 30, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Central Time. Allow adequate time for SAM.gov registration updates, teaming agreement execution, and proposal assembly—construction equipment procurements typically require extensive technical documentation assembled well in advance of the due date.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →